In what started as an ugly game for the New York Yankees, Robinson Cano continued his season-long clutch hitting bash as the Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 4-3. Javier Vazquez turned in a phenomenal performance and got the win and Mariano Rivera got the save. With the win, the Yankees improve to 35-22 on the season.

Photo Credit: Darren Calabrese (AP)

Initial Reaction:

The Yankees needed this game today. It was surprising that two of the top three scoring offenses in the Majors couldn’t buy a hit through five innings. Javy Vazquez went 5.2 innings without allowing a hit. Then, a two-out walk to Adam Lind opened the door for a two-run home run for Vernon Wells. Javy was unfazed however, as he went seven innings with that being the only hit allowed. He also struck out nine.
The Yankee offense continued their weekend-long slumber until the top of the 8th inning, where they scored their four runs. Robinson Cano continued his incredible hot streak, going 3-4 with two singles, a double, and two RBIs to put the Yankees up by two. Joba Chamberlain allowed one run on two quick hits, but worked his way out of a jam with a 4-6-3 double play. After a DaMaso Marte strike out of Adam Lind, Mariano Rivera came in for the ninth inning, and you know what happens when Mariano comes in for the ninth inning.

Positives From The Game:

Javy: Sure, he hung a breaking ball right down the middle for Vernon Wells. But you can’t argue with the rest of his performance. He struck out nine batters and the home run was the only hit he allowed.

Getting Back on Track: After an out-of-character 0-6 day, Robinson Cano started what will hopefully be another long hitting streak, going 3-4 with a double and two RBIs, which put the Yankees ahead 4-2 in the eighth.

We’ll Take It!: On an 0-2 split finger to A-Rod with the bases loaded, the ball bounced off the black of the plate and snuck away from former Yankee catcher, Jose Molina. Speedy Brett Gardner slid in headfirst to tie up the game at 2.

Negatives From The Game:

Stupid Ball Boy: In the second inning, Robby Cano hit a ground ball down the line and was fielded cleanly by the ball boy and promptly handed to an eager fan. The issue? The ball was fair. Hope the kid has fun looking for a paper route tomorrow.

A-Rod Out at Second: If you saw this in the top of the second, you know how bad it was. I could care less if outs came from aggressive base running, but not stupid base running.

Swisher’s 8th Inning K:Nick Swisher started a swing at a 1-2 pitch in the dirt, but stopped right before home plate. However, he was called out. Questionable calls are a part of the game, as we learned this week. However, for the home plate umpire not to even ask for help from the third base ump? Joe Girardi got the boot for arguing, but I could have cared less. He needed something to fire his boys up, which it proved to do later the inning.

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